2025 CPT code 81371
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Molecular Pathology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Low or intermediate resolution HLA typing for HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 loci.
Modifiers may be used to indicate specific circumstances, such as modifier 26 for professional component only (physician interpretation), or other modifiers as appropriate per NCCI guidelines.
Medical necessity for HLA typing is typically established by a need to assess compatibility for organ or stem cell transplantation, to confirm previous HLA typing results, or for the investigation of certain HLA-associated diseases.Payor-specific guidelines may apply.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who performs all technical aspects of the HLA typing, from sample preparation to analysis and reporting of results.Physician interpretation may be separately reported.
In simple words: This lab test identifies specific genes (HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1) that help the body distinguish its own cells from foreign substances.The test uses molecular methods to determine the types of these genes without highly specific detail. This is often used to check compatibility for organ or stem cell transplants.
This CPT code encompasses the technical component of low or intermediate resolution human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing, specifically targeting HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 loci using molecular techniques.The procedure includes nucleic acid extraction (e.g., cell lysis, digestion), amplification, and identification of target HLA gene sequences (e.g., hybridization with probes or direct sequencing).The results provide allele identification without high specificity, such as two-digit HLA names or National Bone Marrow Donor Program codes.If DRB3/4/5 gene presence/absence is determined, it's included and not separately reported.
Example 1: Pre-transplant compatibility testing:HLA typing is performed on a potential organ donor and recipient to assess compatibility and minimize the risk of rejection., Verification typing: An independent HLA typing is performed on a separate sample to confirm initial test results., Disease investigation: HLA typing may be used in the investigation of certain autoimmune diseases or conditions where HLA alleles are associated with increased risk.
Documentation should include the patient's clinical indication for testing, the specific HLA loci analyzed (HLA-A, -B, -DRB1), the method used for typing, and the results of the analysis.A description of the sample type and the level of resolution should also be documented.
** The specific method of HLA typing (e.g., PCR, sequencing) is not specified in the code and is considered inclusive to the procedure.Results are generally reported as alleles at low to intermediate resolution. Always consult the most current CPT® manual and payer-specific guidelines for accurate coding and reimbursement.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (technical component) would apply to the primary 81371 code, representing the laboratory's technical analysis.Modifier 26 may be added for the professional component if the physician provides interpretation and a report separately.
- Specialties:Immunology, Transplant Surgery, Hematology, Oncology
- Place of Service:Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Reference Laboratory